I was not able to get to write the NFC South preview last night as I was busy, but now you'll get two previews combined into one with this South division preview in both conferences. Both of these conferences boast strong South divisions, with only one team from each conference having one really bad team, while all the rest could easily contend for the division crown. I'll start with the NFC and their South division, as I was going to do that division last night.
NFC South
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers were so bad last season, they got the number one draft pick in April's draft. With that pick, they chose Heisman winner and national champion Cam Newton from Auburn. Newton has a tremendous work ethic, which will help him get better in the league, and prevent him from being a bust like JaMarcus Russell was for the Raiders. Carolina helped Newton out by getting a few veteran tight ends like Jeremy Shockey and Greg Olsen to help him find big targets. There is also a nice running game with the combination of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart to help him. The defense should also be ok, as the Panthers re-signed their beast of a defensive end in Charles Johnson. So, while the Panthers made some good signings and they have a solid running game, this will be a year of growing pains for Newton and the Panthers.
Prediction: 5-11
Atlanta Falcons
Yes, this team is coming off a 13-3 season as well as a overall number one seed in the NFC. However, I believe in the young Bucs and how much the Saints practiced and got together during the lockout. I love what the Falcons did in the draft, moving up from the 27th overall pick to the sixth, where the Falcons selected Julio Jones, a big fast wide receiver from Alabama to compliment Roddy White on the other side. So, Matt Ryan has another wide receiver to go to. Plus, the Falcons are returning Michael Turner, who will get a little bit of a lighter workload due to Jones' selection and the Falcons selection of Jacquizz Rodgers in the fifth round. The Falcons will also return a strong defense which includes dynamic pass rusher John Abraham as well as cover corner DeAngelo Hall, who is a great corner. But, as mentioned, I love the Saints and Bucs more.
Prediction: 9-7
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
As mentioned, I am loving the Bucs and their young quarterback, Josh Freeman. Must be why I picked him up in most of my fantasy leagues. Anyway, Freeman leads a very young Bucs team, which only has nine players with more than five years of NFL experience, according to their website. Freeman broke out last season, throwing for over 3,000 yards for the first time, and he can scramble around for the first down. Freeman also has a strong running game with second year back LeGarrette Blount, who also broke out running for over 1,000 yards. Plus, there is a very good group of receivers with Mike Williams, Kellen Winslow, and Arrelious Benn, who is good for fade routes, as he's 6'6". The wily veteran of the team is the unquestioned leader of the defense, Ronde Barber, who while he may have lost a step, he can still hit, and hit hard. Barber has a good corner on the other side of the field with Aqib Talib. Plus, both the corners can get plenty of turnovers due to their defensive line, which can aggravate quarterbacks into throwing bad balls. The Bucs defensive line is just a notch below the Lions, which is also really good. The Bucs defensive line boasts several high round draft picks, who are really good in Gerald McCoy, Adrian Clayborn and Da'Quan Bowers. So, I am on the Bucs bandwagon.
Prediction: 11-5, wild card
New Orleans Saints
This team won the Super Bowl two seasons ago, and they very well could win it again this year in a loaded NFC. This team, like the Falcons, made a great trade in the draft, getting Mark Ingram, the 2009 Heisman winner to boost their running game, and take pressure off of Drew Brees. While Brees and the cast of receivers he has is still one of the best in the league, it's good to have a strong running game as well. Ingram, along with Darren Sproles, Pierre Thomas and Chris Ivory should all combine for over 1,700 plus yards on the ground with Ingram getting close to 1,000 of that. The defense should also be great again, as they have been the past few seasons. So, overall, this team is looking great.
Prediction: 11-5, three seed.
AFC South
Tennessee Titans
The Titans last year were coming off a disappointing 8-8 season, and looked to follow the 2009 season with a playoff appearance in 2010, but things didn't turn out quite as planned. Jeff Fisher was fired after last season, which should be a help, as he was there for 16 seasons and never provided a Super Bowl win. Maybe Fisher's message was getting tuned out to the players. The Titans are looking at a rebuilding process, and they're hoping that Matt Hasselbeck can mentor Jake Locker for a year before Locker takes over. Tennessee is looking at a long season ahead, with the only two playmakers coming from Chris Johnson and Cortland Finnegan.
Prediction: 3-13
Houston Texans
Houston is one of those teams which most see as being on the brink of being a playoff team nearly every season, and this season is no different, as the Texans have the potential for being a playoff team, but won't live up to expectations, as they have a less than stellar defense. The Texans have some great offensive weapons with Arian Foster, who came out of nowhere to rush for nearly 2,000 yards last season along with perennial pro bowler Andre Johnson on the outside, and Matt Schaub as a good quarterback. But, as mentioned, I don't see this team having that good of a defense to keep up with most teams.
Prediction: 6-10
Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville has a solid team overall, but it won't get them anywhere. Jacksonville always seems like this 8-8 team which is stuck in neutral. Granted, they have some good pieces like Maurice Jones-Drew, Marcedes Lewis, and recent signing Paul Posluszny. But, they don't have the best chance of making the playoffs.
Prediction: 8-8
Indianapolis Colts
Now, this is all dependent on Peyton Manning being healthy and playing the majority of the year, as without Manning, this Colts team just seems lost. For those of you who don't know, Manning has had neck trouble throughout the offseason, and is listed as doubtful for Sunday's season opener against Houston. Manning is the one which runs this high octane offense and is the undisputed leader of the entire team. So, if Manning plays 12 games or more, the Colts will continue double digit victories, if he plays less than that, this entire division could be different.
Prediction: 10-6, fourth seed.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Saturday, September 3, 2011
NFL: AFC North Preview
Welcome back to the continuing preview of the 2011 NFL season! This division is basically split in two, with the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers at the top, with the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals at the bottom. I know with all of my heart that the Browns and Bengals will not do anything this season, and the Ravens and Steelers are possible Super Bowl contenders. Now, it's just a matter of figuring out who is going to be the first and second place finishers, and who is going to be the third and fourth place finishers in the division. I think this should be a fairly easy division to predict, but, let's just figure it out.
Cincinnati Bengals
This team will stink. Because Paul Brown, the owner of the team, refused to trade Carson Palmer, the Bengals got nothing for him. Plus, Palmer was one of the lone bright spots on a team which went 4-12 last season. So, the Bengals then drafted Andy Dalton, who was a winner and very poised while at TCU, who they hope will be their next franchise quarterback. The Bengals also traded their top talent period in Chad Ochocinco to the Patriots to make room for new number one receiver A.J. Green, who should have an outstanding rookie campaign. So, other than Green Bengals fans, you have nothing to look forward to this season.
Prediction: 2-14
Cleveland Browns
Colt McCoy, who was an outstanding starter while at Texas, leading his team to a national championship appearance, is poised to become the starter in Cleveland. McCoy did a fine job last season after being forced into the starting role in week 6, thanks to injuries suffered by the insufferable Jake Delhomme and the capable Seneca Wallace. McCoy should only improve in his first full season as the Browns starting quarterback. Plus, the Browns are returning Madden 12 cover man Peyton Hillis, who, if he avoids the "Madden curse" should run for over 1,000 yards again and be a great help to McCoy. The Browns are also going into this season with a new head coach in Pat Shurmur, who was instrumental in helping rookie quarterback Sam Bradford last season and he should help McCoy out as well. Shurmur was the offensive coordinator for the St. Louis Rams last season. The defense for the Browns may not be much, but they should be a little less than a mediocre team.
Prediction: 6-10
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens have made it to the playoffs in their first three seasons with head coach/quarterback tandem of Joe Flacco and John Harbaugh, who have brought leadership and stability to a team which was lacking it for several years prior. Every season the Ravens have been one of the wild card entrants from the AFC and then subsequently lose in the divisional playoffs. I see no reason for that to change this year. But, perhaps it will. The Ravens still have great players on defense including the ageless Ray Lewis, ball hawking safety Ed Reed and big Haloti Ngata who can sack with the best of any nose tackle. So, this team will still be really good, just not quite Super Bowl quality.
Prediction: 11-5, wild card entry.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The defending AFC champions are looking to return to the Super Bowl after narrowly missing out last season on their NFL best seventh Super Bowl win. The Steelers are returning their key pieces with Hines Ward as their number one receiver who continues to make plays now in his 14th season, Heath Miller at tight end, who is turning out to be a very reliable catching and blocking tight end. Plus, the defense is as hard hitting as ever, with James Harrison, Troy Polamalu, and Ike Taylor all back. So, therefore, I see absolutely zero reason to pick against this team.
Prediction: 12-4, number two seed.
Come back tomorrow for my NFC South division preview. What will Cam Newton do in his rookie season? Will the Bucs be a playoff team for the first time since 2007? Will the Falcons continue to dominate the NFC South? Can the Saints go back to the playoffs for an unprecedented 3rd straight time in team history? Find out the answers to these questions tomorrow!
Cincinnati Bengals
This team will stink. Because Paul Brown, the owner of the team, refused to trade Carson Palmer, the Bengals got nothing for him. Plus, Palmer was one of the lone bright spots on a team which went 4-12 last season. So, the Bengals then drafted Andy Dalton, who was a winner and very poised while at TCU, who they hope will be their next franchise quarterback. The Bengals also traded their top talent period in Chad Ochocinco to the Patriots to make room for new number one receiver A.J. Green, who should have an outstanding rookie campaign. So, other than Green Bengals fans, you have nothing to look forward to this season.
Prediction: 2-14
Cleveland Browns
Colt McCoy, who was an outstanding starter while at Texas, leading his team to a national championship appearance, is poised to become the starter in Cleveland. McCoy did a fine job last season after being forced into the starting role in week 6, thanks to injuries suffered by the insufferable Jake Delhomme and the capable Seneca Wallace. McCoy should only improve in his first full season as the Browns starting quarterback. Plus, the Browns are returning Madden 12 cover man Peyton Hillis, who, if he avoids the "Madden curse" should run for over 1,000 yards again and be a great help to McCoy. The Browns are also going into this season with a new head coach in Pat Shurmur, who was instrumental in helping rookie quarterback Sam Bradford last season and he should help McCoy out as well. Shurmur was the offensive coordinator for the St. Louis Rams last season. The defense for the Browns may not be much, but they should be a little less than a mediocre team.
Prediction: 6-10
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens have made it to the playoffs in their first three seasons with head coach/quarterback tandem of Joe Flacco and John Harbaugh, who have brought leadership and stability to a team which was lacking it for several years prior. Every season the Ravens have been one of the wild card entrants from the AFC and then subsequently lose in the divisional playoffs. I see no reason for that to change this year. But, perhaps it will. The Ravens still have great players on defense including the ageless Ray Lewis, ball hawking safety Ed Reed and big Haloti Ngata who can sack with the best of any nose tackle. So, this team will still be really good, just not quite Super Bowl quality.
Prediction: 11-5, wild card entry.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The defending AFC champions are looking to return to the Super Bowl after narrowly missing out last season on their NFL best seventh Super Bowl win. The Steelers are returning their key pieces with Hines Ward as their number one receiver who continues to make plays now in his 14th season, Heath Miller at tight end, who is turning out to be a very reliable catching and blocking tight end. Plus, the defense is as hard hitting as ever, with James Harrison, Troy Polamalu, and Ike Taylor all back. So, therefore, I see absolutely zero reason to pick against this team.
Prediction: 12-4, number two seed.
Come back tomorrow for my NFC South division preview. What will Cam Newton do in his rookie season? Will the Bucs be a playoff team for the first time since 2007? Will the Falcons continue to dominate the NFC South? Can the Saints go back to the playoffs for an unprecedented 3rd straight time in team history? Find out the answers to these questions tomorrow!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
10 Best College Football Games!
As there are no NFL games this weekend other than the final preseason game which doesn't mean anything other than to see who gets cut, it's nothing but college for week one. There are two top tier matchups with LSU and Oregon and then Boise State playing at Georgia, with a bunch of other middle of the road games. This year with every single game I pick, I will give the time and network these games are on, as there are so many networks which broadcast games, it's ridiculous. O, and I will be using the AP rankings every week up until the first BCS rankings, which I'll then be using from then on out. All games on Saturday unless otherwise noted.
# 3 Oregon vs. # 4 LSU, at Arilington, TX, 8 p.m. ABC
This game comes after an offseason where both teams went through turmoil. LSU has several players suspended, including starting quarterback Jordan Jefferson, who will be replaced by a very capable backup in Jarrett Lee, who started five games last season. Then, there is Oregon, which is coming off a national title game, but lose their two biggest wide receivers. However, that isn't too much of a problem, since they have a Heisman candidate in LaMichael James in the backfield who can do wonders. This will be a game of offense (Oregon) versus defense (LSU), which I think offense will win out.
Pick: Oregon 38, LSU 21
# 5 Boise State vs. # 19 Georgia, at Atlanta, 8 p.m. ESPN
Boise State is coming off a one-loss campaign, where their only loss came to eventual WAC champion Nevada, at Nevada. But, now Boise is looking to crash the BCS party for the third time in the past five seasons. Boise is even coming in off of some NCAA investigation, but no loss of scholarships, which is a good thing. Boise has a Heisman candidate in its own right with Kellen Moore, who is entering his senior season and would love to play for a national title. Georgia, on the other hand, wants to get back to being one of the big dogs, pun intended, of the SEC. The Bulldogs would love to forget about a 6-7 season and focus on getting back into the SEC title game. They can do that with returning quarterback Aaron Murray, who was outstanding in his first season at Georgia.
Pick: Boise State 24, Georgia 23
Southern Methodist at #8 Texas A&M, Sunday, 7:30, Comcast SportsNet
Texas A&M is beginning its final season in the Big XII, which really is the Big X, with only ten teams, but anyway, the Aggies have decided to exit the conference and try to escape the University of Texas. A&M has high expectations this season after beating the Longhorns and advancing to the Cotton Bowl where they lost to LSU. SMU is trying to continue its resurgence under June Jones and advance to the C-USA title game for the second consecutive year. Granted, the Mustangs will be competitive, but not in this game.
Pick: TAMU 42, SMU 20
#14 TCU at Baylor, Friday, 8 p.m. ESPN
Don't laugh at this game, TCU could get upset here, as Baylor is on its way up as far as a football team, as they advanced to their first bowl game since 1994. To give you an idea of how hard it is to miss a bowl game now, all a team has to do is finish .500 and voila, the team is in a bowl. Anyway, the team is going to be around an 8-4 team in the regular season this year, with one of those losses coming here. TCU crushed Baylor 41-14 last season, and I expect nothing different here with TCU's relentless attacking defense and their amazing running game.
Pick: TCU 39, Baylor 13
South Florida at #16 Notre Dame, 3:30 p.m., NBC
This should be a great litmus test for both teams, as both teams have second year head coaches in Brian Kelly with ND and Skip Holtz with USF. Both teams have high expectations this season, with South Florida hoping to get into the BCS for the first time by winning the Big East and Notre Dame getting into the BCS for the first time since 2006 Fiesta Bowl. Notre Dame finished last season on a five game winning streak where they won in the Sun Bowl against Miami. South Florida should fare well in a weak Big East as well, so they could easily make that race interesting. However, I'm a fan, and will pick ND here.
Pick: Notre Dame 30, USF 21
Tulsa at #1 Oklahoma, 8 p.m., FX
Now, I'm really trying to see if any games look at least remotely ok, and this one does. Oklahoma is ranked number one because of them bringing so many people back. This should be a cakewalk against a Tulsa team which lost their head coach to Pittsburgh.
Pick: OU 59, Tulsa 14
Akron at #18 Ohio State, noon, ESPN
Ohio State is entering this year without its star quarterback, Terrelle Pryor and without Jim Tressel, its head coach for the first time since 2000. Now, it's a new era with Luke Fickell in as the new head coach and Ohio State trying to overcome a lot of NCAA scrutiny. They should fare very well in this game, as it's against a cupcake opponent, but watch out for later in the season, where they will probably fall to the middle of the pack in the Big Ten.
Pick: Ohio State 28, Akron 3
#12 South Carolina vs. East Carolina, at Charlotte, 7 p.m., ESPN3.com
South Carolina will look to continue to improve and get into its second ever SEC title game with Stephen Garcia and Marcus Lattimore leading the way. East Carolina will try and ruin the party, but it's not likely.
Pick: SCAR 40, ECU 10
Rice at Texas, 8 p.m., Longhorn Network
Texas will look to rebound from its first losing season since 1997 when it starts out against Rice, which wants to improve from its own 4-8 record. However, it won't do it against this Texas team which totally revamped its coaching staff from last season and is hungry to get back to the BCS.
Pick: Texas 56, Rice 3
Indiana State at Penn State, noon, Big Ten Network
Now, please comment if you think Indiana State has any chance of realistically winning this game. Or, comment anyway for your thoughts on how I can make this blog better, thanks. Penn State will beat down this opponent easily with either Matt McGloin or Rob Bolden at quarterback, as they must decide before they face SEC west favorite Alabama in Happy Valley next week.
Pick: Penn State 38, Indiana State 7
# 3 Oregon vs. # 4 LSU, at Arilington, TX, 8 p.m. ABC
This game comes after an offseason where both teams went through turmoil. LSU has several players suspended, including starting quarterback Jordan Jefferson, who will be replaced by a very capable backup in Jarrett Lee, who started five games last season. Then, there is Oregon, which is coming off a national title game, but lose their two biggest wide receivers. However, that isn't too much of a problem, since they have a Heisman candidate in LaMichael James in the backfield who can do wonders. This will be a game of offense (Oregon) versus defense (LSU), which I think offense will win out.
Pick: Oregon 38, LSU 21
# 5 Boise State vs. # 19 Georgia, at Atlanta, 8 p.m. ESPN
Boise State is coming off a one-loss campaign, where their only loss came to eventual WAC champion Nevada, at Nevada. But, now Boise is looking to crash the BCS party for the third time in the past five seasons. Boise is even coming in off of some NCAA investigation, but no loss of scholarships, which is a good thing. Boise has a Heisman candidate in its own right with Kellen Moore, who is entering his senior season and would love to play for a national title. Georgia, on the other hand, wants to get back to being one of the big dogs, pun intended, of the SEC. The Bulldogs would love to forget about a 6-7 season and focus on getting back into the SEC title game. They can do that with returning quarterback Aaron Murray, who was outstanding in his first season at Georgia.
Pick: Boise State 24, Georgia 23
Southern Methodist at #8 Texas A&M, Sunday, 7:30, Comcast SportsNet
Texas A&M is beginning its final season in the Big XII, which really is the Big X, with only ten teams, but anyway, the Aggies have decided to exit the conference and try to escape the University of Texas. A&M has high expectations this season after beating the Longhorns and advancing to the Cotton Bowl where they lost to LSU. SMU is trying to continue its resurgence under June Jones and advance to the C-USA title game for the second consecutive year. Granted, the Mustangs will be competitive, but not in this game.
Pick: TAMU 42, SMU 20
#14 TCU at Baylor, Friday, 8 p.m. ESPN
Don't laugh at this game, TCU could get upset here, as Baylor is on its way up as far as a football team, as they advanced to their first bowl game since 1994. To give you an idea of how hard it is to miss a bowl game now, all a team has to do is finish .500 and voila, the team is in a bowl. Anyway, the team is going to be around an 8-4 team in the regular season this year, with one of those losses coming here. TCU crushed Baylor 41-14 last season, and I expect nothing different here with TCU's relentless attacking defense and their amazing running game.
Pick: TCU 39, Baylor 13
South Florida at #16 Notre Dame, 3:30 p.m., NBC
This should be a great litmus test for both teams, as both teams have second year head coaches in Brian Kelly with ND and Skip Holtz with USF. Both teams have high expectations this season, with South Florida hoping to get into the BCS for the first time by winning the Big East and Notre Dame getting into the BCS for the first time since 2006 Fiesta Bowl. Notre Dame finished last season on a five game winning streak where they won in the Sun Bowl against Miami. South Florida should fare well in a weak Big East as well, so they could easily make that race interesting. However, I'm a fan, and will pick ND here.
Pick: Notre Dame 30, USF 21
Tulsa at #1 Oklahoma, 8 p.m., FX
Now, I'm really trying to see if any games look at least remotely ok, and this one does. Oklahoma is ranked number one because of them bringing so many people back. This should be a cakewalk against a Tulsa team which lost their head coach to Pittsburgh.
Pick: OU 59, Tulsa 14
Akron at #18 Ohio State, noon, ESPN
Ohio State is entering this year without its star quarterback, Terrelle Pryor and without Jim Tressel, its head coach for the first time since 2000. Now, it's a new era with Luke Fickell in as the new head coach and Ohio State trying to overcome a lot of NCAA scrutiny. They should fare very well in this game, as it's against a cupcake opponent, but watch out for later in the season, where they will probably fall to the middle of the pack in the Big Ten.
Pick: Ohio State 28, Akron 3
#12 South Carolina vs. East Carolina, at Charlotte, 7 p.m., ESPN3.com
South Carolina will look to continue to improve and get into its second ever SEC title game with Stephen Garcia and Marcus Lattimore leading the way. East Carolina will try and ruin the party, but it's not likely.
Pick: SCAR 40, ECU 10
Rice at Texas, 8 p.m., Longhorn Network
Texas will look to rebound from its first losing season since 1997 when it starts out against Rice, which wants to improve from its own 4-8 record. However, it won't do it against this Texas team which totally revamped its coaching staff from last season and is hungry to get back to the BCS.
Pick: Texas 56, Rice 3
Indiana State at Penn State, noon, Big Ten Network
Now, please comment if you think Indiana State has any chance of realistically winning this game. Or, comment anyway for your thoughts on how I can make this blog better, thanks. Penn State will beat down this opponent easily with either Matt McGloin or Rob Bolden at quarterback, as they must decide before they face SEC west favorite Alabama in Happy Valley next week.
Pick: Penn State 38, Indiana State 7
NFL: NFC North Preview
The NFC North holds perhaps the best collection of teams in all of the NFL. I know, the Detroit Lions reside in this division, but, seriously, top to bottom, this division could be the best in all of the NFL. Take a look at it, the Vikings were supposed to make back to back NFC title game appearances last season, but Brett Favre decided to finally stink in a season. The Lions played very well down the stretch, winning their final four, and then the Bears and Packers played in the NFC title game, with the Packers hoisting the Lombardi trophy at the end. So, as you can tell, this is one hard division to pick. But, I gotta make my best guess at it, so here we go.
Chicago Bears
I know, this is going from first to worst, but, as mentioned above, this division is essentially a crapshoot. Jay Cutler will have to be a better quarterback, as Devin Hester will not be able to get out to the 35 every time due to the NFL deciding to make the kickoff game "safer" by moving the kickoff from the 30 to the 35, and now there will be at least a 50 percent increase in touchbacks. But, the Bears still have a pretty good running back in Matt Forte, who is in the mold of a LeSean McCoy, for Eagles fans. Forte can run inside and out, and can catch passes easily from the backfield. Plus, the Bears still have a pretty good defense led by veterans Brian Urlacher and Julius Peppers who still cause offensive coordinators to have trouble sleeping at night to figure out how the heck to block the guy. But, I don't see this team making back to back division title runs.
Prediction: 7-9
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings, as mentioned above, were supposed to be one of the contenders for the NFC title last season, but their season, and eventually their stadium roof collapsed. So, like the Cowboys, the Vikings fired their coach, Brad Childress, and enjoyed moderate success afterwards, where they went 3-3. but their wins came against bad teams, the Redskins and Bills, so it's a toss up to see if they'll do better this season. However, the Vikings got rid of Brett Favre, who retired and acquired the services of Donovan McNabb, who will presumably mentor their first round draft choice Christian Ponder. The Vikes still have the best running back in the NFL, Adrian Peterson, which helps...a lot. Then their defense should still be very good with Kevin Williams and Jared Allen on the defensive line who can get penetration while linebackers like E.J. Henderson go in for sacks and Chad Greenway. So, with a rejuvenated McNabb and everyone staying healthy, this team should be better from their 6-10 record from last year, but nowhere near their NFC title expectations from last season.
Prediction: 8-8
Detroit Lions
Yes, this is where I have the have the Lions. The reasons I have the Lions here is because of the following: their defensive line, once Nick Fairley is back could be the best in the game at both stopping the run and getting a big pass rush. Matthew Stafford and his backups have proven capable of handling the load easily, especially when "megatron" a.k.a. Calvin Johnson is one of the best young receivers in the game. Then, Brandon Pettigrew is growing into one of the best catching/blocking tight ends in the league. Plus, with the Lions on a four game winning streak at the end of last season, and the fact that they lost 6 of their games by 8 points or less, they are very competitive.
Prediction: 10-6, wild card.
Green Bay Packers
Super Bowl champions, anything more I really need to write? O, plus they're getting two of their biggest offensive weapons back in Jermichael Finley at tight end, who is a top 10 tight end. Plus, they're getting a really good running back returning in Ryan Grant. plus, the defense is one of those which will attack relentlessly. So, I don't really need to type a whole lot about this team other than they're really good.
Prediction: 12-4, number two seed.
I will be taking a break from predictions for the next few days, as I have work at night, and then am exhausted, so predictions will return on Saturday night with the preview of the AFC North. Which of these two teams will win the division: the Ravens or Steelers? How much will the Browns win with an entire season from Colt McCoy and Peyton Hillis at running back? Will the Bengals really go 0-16 as predicted by Rick Reilly of ESPN.com? Find out on Saturday night!
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
NFL: AFC East Preview
Again, like yesterday's post with the NFC East, I'm going to preview this division from the bottom to the top. But, my prediction is probably like most other "experts" out there. Plus, this is a two team race for the division title. You can guess who those teams are, but now, on to the picks!
Buffalo Bills
Much like the Redskins, I see nothing in this team I can truly attach myself to. Yes, Steve Johnson is becoming a pretty good wide receiver in the league, Leodis McKelvin is a pretty good defensive back, and the Bills pray there's something left in the tank with Shawne Merriman. But, I just don't see this team going anywhere in the next few seasons, other than staying in neutral and being satisfied with continually bad seasons and a mediocre quarterback in Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Prediction: 5-11
Miami Dolphins
This team has some nice pieces to it, with Brandon Marshall and an up and coming Davone Bess at the wide receiver slots. Marshall was a perennial pro bowler in Denver, but was unhappy, so he got traded, unfortunately for him, to a bad quarterback in Chad Henne. Bess was part of the run and shoot offense in Hawaii, but has run routes effectively in the NFL, and could be a 1,000 yard receiving guy at some point. Then, the Dolphins signed Reggie Bush, who will be the lead back and have Daniel Thomas as the bruising 3rd down back. Thomas is primed to become the lead back at some point once Bush leaves. Then, the defense has some redeeming qualities with Karlos Dansby and Cameron Wake, who are good leaders and good cover guys when it comes to linebackers, and Vontae Davis is a pretty good cornerback, but overall, this team is incredibly mediocre to me.
Prediction: 7-9
New York Jets
The past two seasons the Jets have won one of the two wild card spots in the AFC. In 2009, they had to fight and claw their way for the playoffs, which they got in the last week. Last season, once they were killed by the eventual division champion Patriots, they could cruise into the final wild card spot with an 11-5 record. Then, in the postseason, the Jets get to the AFC title game and fail. Now, with two years of experience under his belt, the "Sanchize", Mark Sanchez can perhaps lead his team over the hump into the promised land of the Super Bowl. The Jets have all the pieces to do it, with Sanchez, a great offensive line, a very solid running game, a year in year out top flight defense now with Rex Ryan as the head coach. Now, all that needs to happen is execute in the playoffs, as I think they'll get the wild card once again.
Prediction: 10-6, number 6 seed wild card.
New England Patriots
How can I pick against the class of this division for the past decade? The Patriots just seem to keep reloading talent through shrewd trades, and amazing draft classes. Take for instance last year's draft class, which produced starters Rob Gronkowski, Devin McCourty, Brandon Spikes and Zoltan Mesko. The Patriots just reload every year. I do not see a weakness on this team, as every single player is of pro bowl quality, except for the running backs, but even then, they've got a rotation of four which they can plug in and out to keep fresh. This team is just too good for me not to pick them to win the division for the ninth time since 2001, when they had their breakout year. Now, will I pick this team to win the AFC? You'll have to find that out when I do my playoff preview on opening night!
Prediction: 13-3, number 1 seed.
Tomorrow will bring not one, but two posts. The first will be the start of my 10 best football games, and then the other will be the preview of the NFC North. Will the Packers win the division this year? Will the Bears go back to the playoffs? Will the Lions actually make some noise in the division? Will the Donovan McNabb led Vikings improve from last season's debacle? All these questions will be answered tomorrow!
Buffalo Bills
Much like the Redskins, I see nothing in this team I can truly attach myself to. Yes, Steve Johnson is becoming a pretty good wide receiver in the league, Leodis McKelvin is a pretty good defensive back, and the Bills pray there's something left in the tank with Shawne Merriman. But, I just don't see this team going anywhere in the next few seasons, other than staying in neutral and being satisfied with continually bad seasons and a mediocre quarterback in Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Prediction: 5-11
Miami Dolphins
This team has some nice pieces to it, with Brandon Marshall and an up and coming Davone Bess at the wide receiver slots. Marshall was a perennial pro bowler in Denver, but was unhappy, so he got traded, unfortunately for him, to a bad quarterback in Chad Henne. Bess was part of the run and shoot offense in Hawaii, but has run routes effectively in the NFL, and could be a 1,000 yard receiving guy at some point. Then, the Dolphins signed Reggie Bush, who will be the lead back and have Daniel Thomas as the bruising 3rd down back. Thomas is primed to become the lead back at some point once Bush leaves. Then, the defense has some redeeming qualities with Karlos Dansby and Cameron Wake, who are good leaders and good cover guys when it comes to linebackers, and Vontae Davis is a pretty good cornerback, but overall, this team is incredibly mediocre to me.
Prediction: 7-9
New York Jets
The past two seasons the Jets have won one of the two wild card spots in the AFC. In 2009, they had to fight and claw their way for the playoffs, which they got in the last week. Last season, once they were killed by the eventual division champion Patriots, they could cruise into the final wild card spot with an 11-5 record. Then, in the postseason, the Jets get to the AFC title game and fail. Now, with two years of experience under his belt, the "Sanchize", Mark Sanchez can perhaps lead his team over the hump into the promised land of the Super Bowl. The Jets have all the pieces to do it, with Sanchez, a great offensive line, a very solid running game, a year in year out top flight defense now with Rex Ryan as the head coach. Now, all that needs to happen is execute in the playoffs, as I think they'll get the wild card once again.
Prediction: 10-6, number 6 seed wild card.
New England Patriots
How can I pick against the class of this division for the past decade? The Patriots just seem to keep reloading talent through shrewd trades, and amazing draft classes. Take for instance last year's draft class, which produced starters Rob Gronkowski, Devin McCourty, Brandon Spikes and Zoltan Mesko. The Patriots just reload every year. I do not see a weakness on this team, as every single player is of pro bowl quality, except for the running backs, but even then, they've got a rotation of four which they can plug in and out to keep fresh. This team is just too good for me not to pick them to win the division for the ninth time since 2001, when they had their breakout year. Now, will I pick this team to win the AFC? You'll have to find that out when I do my playoff preview on opening night!
Prediction: 13-3, number 1 seed.
Tomorrow will bring not one, but two posts. The first will be the start of my 10 best football games, and then the other will be the preview of the NFC North. Will the Packers win the division this year? Will the Bears go back to the playoffs? Will the Lions actually make some noise in the division? Will the Donovan McNabb led Vikings improve from last season's debacle? All these questions will be answered tomorrow!
Monday, August 29, 2011
NFL: NFC East preview
Wow, it has been a long time since I blogged. So, for those of you truly wondering where the heck I've been over the past nearly four months, I've been a lazy bum and haven't had any motivation whatsoever to blog. But, now that America's favorite sport is coming back, I've decided to preview each and every division. And, of course, like last year, I will do from bottom to top in order of how I think each division will finish and give each teams record at the end of each team preview.
NFC East
Washington Redskins
Ok, let's get one thing straight here, this team is in shambles. All the owner wants to do is overspend on free agents, the head coach decided he hated one of the 20 best quarterbacks of all time, and now it's between Rex Grossman and John Beck as the starting quarterback. This team is not looking to be a good team at all. I do not see a big redeeming quality in this team either. So, to any Redskins fans who may read this, I'm sorry.
Prediction: 4-12
New York Giants
In Tom Coughlin's ninth season, this team does look really good, along with the Cowboys and Eagles. This team has so many good components, that it will be hard for them not to succeed. Eli Manning is very good at managing the game, the defensive ends on this team are probably some of the most feared in all of the NFL, with Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck. Both of whom can get 10 sacks in a season easily., Then, the running game will pound you to death with the combination of Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs, both of whom can go over 1,000 yards in a season easily. But, for some reason, I see the Cowboys as slightly better than this team.
Prediction: 9-7
Dallas Cowboys
After a completely horrendous start to last season, where they went 1-7 and got Wade Phillips fired, they turned it around with a backup quarterback and went 5-3 down the stretch with former offensive coordinator Jason Garrett at the helm. Now, I don't think that this team is going to falter like the Chicago Cubs or Baltimore Orioles did in this baseball season, as this team definitely has the capability to succeed. Those two baseball teams did not. Plus, with a fully healed Tony Romo, this team should definitely succeed, and meet expectations this year. Now, does that mean Super Bowl? Probably not, but you never know. There is a question mark regarding this team at running back, and that is if Felix Jones can really handle the load for the entire season. But, Tashard Choice is also a very capable backup, and Jones could be primed for a breakout season of over 1,000 yards if he can stay healthy. Then, the receivers on this team are some of the most dynamic on any team in the NFL, with Dez Bryant, Miles Austin, and Jason Witten, these three guys are just amazing, all three could have a 1,000 yard season, that's how good they are. The defense isn't too shabby now either, with a really good linebacking corp, and a pretty good young secondary, led by Mike Jenkins, a shutdown corner from South Florida. So, this team is good, and will probably make the playoffs for the first time since 2009, where they killed the Eagles.
Prediction: 10-6, just missing out on wild card
Philadelphia Eagles
I'm a homer, and with all of the moves the Eagles made, they are considered by many in the media to be a "dream team" thanks to Vince Young's joking comment. The Eagles have two huge question marks in their team though. The linebacking corps and the offensive line. The Eagles linebacking corps is incredibly inexperienced, with Moise Fokou, the weak side linebacker as the most experienced at three years. So, it's going to be tough, with Fokou, Jamar Chaney, and Casey Matthews as the starting linebacking trio. That trio is going to need to be able to step it up in the regular season, as thus far in the preseason, this trip has not performed up to par. Then, the other true problem area is with the offensive line. As they are going to be the ones protecting Mike Vick and being sure he doesn't get injured that easily. This offensive line didn't look too good against the Browns, so this line needs to step it up a bit. Granted, Winston Justice is injured, but he only accounts for a small portion of the line. So, that's a true concern. But, the rest of the team looks absolutely loaded. Michael Vick had a breakout season last year, although he did struggle down the stretch. And, if Vick gets injured, there is a quarterback right behind him in that same mold, a mobile quarterback who knows how to win games in Vince Young. The running back trio of LeSean McCoy, Ronnie Brown and Dion Lewis should be dynamic. Then everyone knows that Jeremy Maclin, DeSean Jackson and Brent Celek are some of the best receivers in the league. Then, on the defensive side of the ball, the Eagles signed one of Green Bay's good defensive lineman in Cullen Jenkins to get even more penetration, along with Jason Babin who had a breakout season last year. Then, the Eagles signed the most coveted free agent out there in Nnamdi Asomugha, who is going to be great alongside Pro Bowler Asante Samuel. Plus, in nickel situations, the Eagles have traded for Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. So, therefore, the team looks amazing and on paper, should run away with the division.
Prediction: 12-4, number one seed in the NFC.
Tomorrow will bring the AFC East preview. Will the Jets and Patriots duke it out for the division title again? Will the Bills continue to stink? And, what about the Dolphins? Where will they finish in the division? Come back tomorrow to find out!
NFC East
Washington Redskins
Ok, let's get one thing straight here, this team is in shambles. All the owner wants to do is overspend on free agents, the head coach decided he hated one of the 20 best quarterbacks of all time, and now it's between Rex Grossman and John Beck as the starting quarterback. This team is not looking to be a good team at all. I do not see a big redeeming quality in this team either. So, to any Redskins fans who may read this, I'm sorry.
Prediction: 4-12
New York Giants
In Tom Coughlin's ninth season, this team does look really good, along with the Cowboys and Eagles. This team has so many good components, that it will be hard for them not to succeed. Eli Manning is very good at managing the game, the defensive ends on this team are probably some of the most feared in all of the NFL, with Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck. Both of whom can get 10 sacks in a season easily., Then, the running game will pound you to death with the combination of Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs, both of whom can go over 1,000 yards in a season easily. But, for some reason, I see the Cowboys as slightly better than this team.
Prediction: 9-7
Dallas Cowboys
After a completely horrendous start to last season, where they went 1-7 and got Wade Phillips fired, they turned it around with a backup quarterback and went 5-3 down the stretch with former offensive coordinator Jason Garrett at the helm. Now, I don't think that this team is going to falter like the Chicago Cubs or Baltimore Orioles did in this baseball season, as this team definitely has the capability to succeed. Those two baseball teams did not. Plus, with a fully healed Tony Romo, this team should definitely succeed, and meet expectations this year. Now, does that mean Super Bowl? Probably not, but you never know. There is a question mark regarding this team at running back, and that is if Felix Jones can really handle the load for the entire season. But, Tashard Choice is also a very capable backup, and Jones could be primed for a breakout season of over 1,000 yards if he can stay healthy. Then, the receivers on this team are some of the most dynamic on any team in the NFL, with Dez Bryant, Miles Austin, and Jason Witten, these three guys are just amazing, all three could have a 1,000 yard season, that's how good they are. The defense isn't too shabby now either, with a really good linebacking corp, and a pretty good young secondary, led by Mike Jenkins, a shutdown corner from South Florida. So, this team is good, and will probably make the playoffs for the first time since 2009, where they killed the Eagles.
Prediction: 10-6, just missing out on wild card
Philadelphia Eagles
I'm a homer, and with all of the moves the Eagles made, they are considered by many in the media to be a "dream team" thanks to Vince Young's joking comment. The Eagles have two huge question marks in their team though. The linebacking corps and the offensive line. The Eagles linebacking corps is incredibly inexperienced, with Moise Fokou, the weak side linebacker as the most experienced at three years. So, it's going to be tough, with Fokou, Jamar Chaney, and Casey Matthews as the starting linebacking trio. That trio is going to need to be able to step it up in the regular season, as thus far in the preseason, this trip has not performed up to par. Then, the other true problem area is with the offensive line. As they are going to be the ones protecting Mike Vick and being sure he doesn't get injured that easily. This offensive line didn't look too good against the Browns, so this line needs to step it up a bit. Granted, Winston Justice is injured, but he only accounts for a small portion of the line. So, that's a true concern. But, the rest of the team looks absolutely loaded. Michael Vick had a breakout season last year, although he did struggle down the stretch. And, if Vick gets injured, there is a quarterback right behind him in that same mold, a mobile quarterback who knows how to win games in Vince Young. The running back trio of LeSean McCoy, Ronnie Brown and Dion Lewis should be dynamic. Then everyone knows that Jeremy Maclin, DeSean Jackson and Brent Celek are some of the best receivers in the league. Then, on the defensive side of the ball, the Eagles signed one of Green Bay's good defensive lineman in Cullen Jenkins to get even more penetration, along with Jason Babin who had a breakout season last year. Then, the Eagles signed the most coveted free agent out there in Nnamdi Asomugha, who is going to be great alongside Pro Bowler Asante Samuel. Plus, in nickel situations, the Eagles have traded for Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. So, therefore, the team looks amazing and on paper, should run away with the division.
Prediction: 12-4, number one seed in the NFC.
Tomorrow will bring the AFC East preview. Will the Jets and Patriots duke it out for the division title again? Will the Bills continue to stink? And, what about the Dolphins? Where will they finish in the division? Come back tomorrow to find out!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Stanley Cup Final preview/prediction
This is the final installment of Bryan and I co-authoring the Stanley Cup playoffs. We will give different arguments as to who will win the Stanley Cup. He will give his argument of why the Vancouver Canucks will win the Stanley Cup for the first time, and for them to win the Stanley Cup for Canada for the first time since 1993, when the Montreal Canadiens won their 24th title. I will be giving my argument as to why the Boston Bruins will win the Cup for the first time since 1972. Hope you all enjoy it! Also, my apologies for the delay, Bryan just got his in this afternoon, and I was away from my computer for most of the day.
PJ's prediction
Boston has been going through the playoffs in one of two modes, go seven games or sweep the other teams. Currently, they're down 1-0, will that trend continue here in the Stanley Cup Final? My guess is no, as Tim Thomas is probably the Vezina trophy winner and he's going to steal a game in Vancouver to even out the series and help Boston win their sixth Stanley Cup. He will need help from the Bruins pathetic power play though. The Bruins through game one of the Stanley Cup Final are now 5-67 in power play opportunities. Granted, they excel in killing off their opponents power play, killing off 56 of a possible 69, so they're doing well on that front. Plus, Boston will need their big defenseman Zdeno Chara to step up big time to help control the Sedin twins and Ryan Kessler's scoring line, as those are three of the top 10 players in the NHL right now. Finally, it'll be great if the Bruins find a way to get Tyler Seguin to keep up and play hard and be effective throughout the rest of this Stanley Cup Final. If they can do all that, they can bring Boston to a hockey town for at least a day, which would make this guy very happy. However, it will be one hard fought low scoring series, and I'm hoping the B's can pull it off.
Pick: Boston in 7.
Bryan's Prediction
The Vancouver Cnucks are the Western Conference Champions. Returning to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time since 1994. Where stars like Pavel Bure, Trevor Linden, and goaltender Kirk McLean were the teams stars. Now they are led by the Sendin teins, Ryan Kessler, and goaltender Roberto Luongo.
This Series will be a hard fought battle with the Boston Bruins. Given that the Canucks have had a full week off to recover from injures. Getting Ryan Kessler back to almost 100% and also getting the addition of Manny Maholtra back from the IR since January from getting hit in the eye with a puck is a big plus.
Keys to this series:
The Canucks have to be stellar on the power play. They have the best power play in the playoffs and have to utilize it. They need to have a great penalty kill as well. The Bruins have been horrible on the power play in the playoffs and if the Canucks can kill off penalties they will keep Boston from building any momentum. The Bruins are the best 5 on 5 team in the playoffs so Vancouver has to take advantage of any odd man breaks as they have, as they will not come often.
I see this being like another Pittsburgh vs. Detriot series 2 years ago. The Vancouver Canucks have the best team on paper. And the Boston Bruins have the best defense in the playoffs and maybe even the league. It will come down to which goaltender shows up and gets some help. Roberto Luongo and Tim Thomas are both playing very well. Ryan Kessler has to be the player he was the last two series for the Canucks to win this thing. Also help from the Sendin Twins will help a lot since they have been vert qiute this post season.
Prediction:
I see the Canucks winning in 7 giving the Vancouver Canucks their 1st Stanley Cup Chamiionship and Canada's 1st Stanley Cup in 18 years since the Montreal Canadians won in 1993 over the Los Angelses Kings. Giving Canada even more to cheer about along with the Return of a Winnapeg Franchise.
P.S. Thanks to Pete for letting me write this post season. And hope you enjoy reading this.
PJ's prediction
Boston has been going through the playoffs in one of two modes, go seven games or sweep the other teams. Currently, they're down 1-0, will that trend continue here in the Stanley Cup Final? My guess is no, as Tim Thomas is probably the Vezina trophy winner and he's going to steal a game in Vancouver to even out the series and help Boston win their sixth Stanley Cup. He will need help from the Bruins pathetic power play though. The Bruins through game one of the Stanley Cup Final are now 5-67 in power play opportunities. Granted, they excel in killing off their opponents power play, killing off 56 of a possible 69, so they're doing well on that front. Plus, Boston will need their big defenseman Zdeno Chara to step up big time to help control the Sedin twins and Ryan Kessler's scoring line, as those are three of the top 10 players in the NHL right now. Finally, it'll be great if the Bruins find a way to get Tyler Seguin to keep up and play hard and be effective throughout the rest of this Stanley Cup Final. If they can do all that, they can bring Boston to a hockey town for at least a day, which would make this guy very happy. However, it will be one hard fought low scoring series, and I'm hoping the B's can pull it off.
Pick: Boston in 7.
Bryan's Prediction
The Vancouver Cnucks are the Western Conference Champions. Returning to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time since 1994. Where stars like Pavel Bure, Trevor Linden, and goaltender Kirk McLean were the teams stars. Now they are led by the Sendin teins, Ryan Kessler, and goaltender Roberto Luongo.
This Series will be a hard fought battle with the Boston Bruins. Given that the Canucks have had a full week off to recover from injures. Getting Ryan Kessler back to almost 100% and also getting the addition of Manny Maholtra back from the IR since January from getting hit in the eye with a puck is a big plus.
Keys to this series:
The Canucks have to be stellar on the power play. They have the best power play in the playoffs and have to utilize it. They need to have a great penalty kill as well. The Bruins have been horrible on the power play in the playoffs and if the Canucks can kill off penalties they will keep Boston from building any momentum. The Bruins are the best 5 on 5 team in the playoffs so Vancouver has to take advantage of any odd man breaks as they have, as they will not come often.
I see this being like another Pittsburgh vs. Detriot series 2 years ago. The Vancouver Canucks have the best team on paper. And the Boston Bruins have the best defense in the playoffs and maybe even the league. It will come down to which goaltender shows up and gets some help. Roberto Luongo and Tim Thomas are both playing very well. Ryan Kessler has to be the player he was the last two series for the Canucks to win this thing. Also help from the Sendin Twins will help a lot since they have been vert qiute this post season.
Prediction:
I see the Canucks winning in 7 giving the Vancouver Canucks their 1st Stanley Cup Chamiionship and Canada's 1st Stanley Cup in 18 years since the Montreal Canadians won in 1993 over the Los Angelses Kings. Giving Canada even more to cheer about along with the Return of a Winnapeg Franchise.
P.S. Thanks to Pete for letting me write this post season. And hope you enjoy reading this.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)